The City of Austin is continuing its long-standing tradition of recycling holiday trees, a practice it has maintained for over three decades. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is urging residents to repurpose their holiday trees into mulch or compost. Starting December 26, 2024, residents who use the city's curbside service can place all-natural holiday trees out for collection on their regular composting day.
Residents are reminded that only all-natural trees will be accepted. Trees must be placed at the curb by 5:30 a.m., stripped of all ornaments, decorations including tinsel, lights, and tree stands. Trees taller than six feet should be cut in half. Flocked trees are not eligible for recycling and should not be placed in plastic bags.
Additionally, all-natural trees can be taken to Zilker Park for recycling. The 38th Annual Holiday Tree Recycling events will take place at Zilker Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on December 28, January 4, and January 5. Trees collected at these events will be converted into mulch available for free starting January 8 on a first-come, first-served basis.
For further details about the recycling program, mulch availability or alternative drop-off locations, residents can visit austintexas.gov/treerecycling.
Austin Resource Recovery is a department under the City of Austin providing essential waste management services and promoting sustainable resource recovery practices.